Category: Getting Started

Suggestions for filing your tax return last minute

With the tax filing deadline close at hand, the IRS offers some tips for those still working on their paper tax forms:

* Consider filing electronically instead of filing by mail

* Check and put all required Social Security numbers on the return

* Double-check your figures

* Sign your form (if mailing)

* Attach all required schedules (if mailing) and make sure that you are sending the return to the correct address

* Send your return or request an extension by the April filing deadline (extensions can be filed from your TaxSlayer account for free)

* If you owe the IRS and/or state(s) make sure your payment is sent in by the April filing deadline (you can pay electronically)

* TaxSlayer provides the option to pay your amount(s) due by Electronic Withdrawal for both the IRS and state(s) when e-filing.

File Electronically: Choosing to e-file your tax return instead of preparing a paper tax form is the best step you can take to ensure that your return is accurate and complete.

Fill In All Requested Information Clearly: When filing, the numbers to check most carefully on the tax return are the identification numbers — usually Social Security numbers — for each person listed. This includes the taxpayer, spouse, dependent(s) and persons listed in relation to claims for the Child and Dependent Care Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit. Missing, incorrect, or illegible Social Security Numbers can delay or reduce a tax refund.

Take a Close Look at the Tax Tables: Taxpayers who are mailing returns should double-check that they have correctly figured the refund or balance due and have used the right figure from the tax table. When you e-file with TaxSlayer we do the calculations for you, and produce a payment voucher if you owe. TaxSlayer also provides the option to pay your Federal and/or state(s) amount(s) due by electronic withdrawal during the e-file process.

Get the Right Routing and Account Numbers: Requesting direct deposit of a federal refund into one, two or even three accounts is convenient and allows the taxpayer access to his or her money faster. Make sure the financial institution routing and account numbers entered on the return are accurate. Incorrect numbers can cause a refund to be delayed or deposited into the wrong account.

Sign and Date the Return: Taxpayers must sign and date their returns when mailing them in. Both spouses must sign a joint return, even if only one had income. Anyone paid to prepare a return must also sign. With TaxSlayer your PIN/AGI is your signature option. This "electronic signature" is an important part of the e-file process, as accurate information is required for the IRS to accept your return.

Owe Tax: People sending a payment should make the check out to “United States Treasury” and should enclose it with- but not attach it to- the tax return or the Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, if used. The check should include the taxpayer’s Social Security number, daytime phone number, the tax year and the type of form filed.

Request a Filing Extension: By the April due date, taxpayers should either file a return or request an extension of time to file. Remember, the extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. All payments are still due by the April due date.

Forms and publications and helpful information on a variety of tax subjects are available around the clock on the IRS website at IRS.gov.